Dielectrophoresis, instability, and electrofusion in membrane systems

Abstract

An approach which is based on knowledge from the colloid chemistry of surfaces and thin films is presented. It is useful for understanding the mechanisms of membrane approach, instability, and fusion, as well as for optimization of cell electrofusion. It focuses on the use of external electric fields to induce membrane approach (by dielectrophoresis), instability (by reversible electroporation), and fusion. Experimental data for these processes and possible theoretical explanations are discussed. The basic conclusions are: 1) methods and results from thin-film dynamics combined with laws of membrane motion and deformation induced by external electric fields can be useful for understanding mechanisms of membrane electrofusion and fusion in general; 2) electrofusion can be optimized by measuring cell polarizability by dielectrophoresis and the critical voltage of reversible electroporation of membranes.